Joseph Pilates, creator of the Pilates method, invented various Pilates apparatus during his lifetime. Many are frequently used by Pilates practitioners today and include the Cadillac, the Reformer, the Spine Corrector and the Wunda Chair.

Contrology was Joseph Pilates philosophy that the body should be exercised completely and in coordination. Whilst many see Contrology as a series of exercises, more commonly now known as Pilates, Joseph regarded Contrology as a way of life.

Founding a studio in New York during the 1920s, Joseph Pilates gained many dedicated followers of Contrology. His methods and apparatus have been passed on by these early followers and apparatus such as the Pilates Reformer have recently seen a huge surge in popularity worldwide.

During his lifetime, Joseph Pilates filed many patient applications for the apparatus he designed. These were created to help achieve Contrology and exercise the body whilst stabilising the core muscles of the torso.

Pilates studios using apparatus are now common in all major cities and many practitioners now offer online sessions in addition to in person group and one to one workshops.

Article by Paul Davidson

– Paul is a leading Pilates expert with 30 years experience working with educators and master trainers in the UK and US.